What is a Refined Substance?
A refined substance is a product that has gone through some degree of processing. This may involve the physical manipulation of the material (for example, pressing or grinding) or it may be more chemical-based - such as with oils and fats that have been'refined' to increase their heat stability or to reduce their intense natural scent and colour. Refined products are usually less expensive and have a longer shelf life than unrefined ones.
Some food manufacturers prefer to use only refined ingredients for their products, and this is especially true of some natural product makers. This is because unrefined ingredients often contain more 'raw', or 'virgin' substances, which can have a less stable formulation and can change over time in a product that contains them. This may also mean that the ingredient's nutrient content is reduced.
In addition to removing unwanted substances, refining can make a product more uniform and stable in appearance and taste. This is why some people choose to buy only refined sugar for their cooking and baking, and it is one reason that turbinado sugar (also known as "demerara" or "raw cane sugar") is a popular alternative to granulated white sugar.
Other foods may be refined to improve their taste or texture, or they may be processed to add extra nutrients. For example, whole grains are healthier than their refined counterparts because they have more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. In contrast, white bread made from flour that has been refined loses most of these components and is therefore less healthy.
Refined carbs can lead to large spikes in blood sugar levels and can disrupt the bacteria in your gut. However, everyone's response is different and you may be able to tolerate refined foods better than others. Taking an at-home test (like ZOE) can help you understand your own personal response to different foods and determine which carbohydrates are best for you. You can then start reducing or eliminating any foods that cause an unpleasant reaction in order to balance your gut bacteria and get back on track. You can still enjoy many delicious, nutritious foods, including refined carbohydrates, as part of a balanced diet. The difference is in the proportions of foods that you eat.